Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which has made a resurgence in the last few years. The disease is carried by wildlife (primarily skunks, raccoons and rats) who often remain healthy but shed the bacteria in their urine. Dogs pick up the disease by walking through areas in which wildlife has urinated, or drinking from water contaminated with the bacteria. The bacteria may cause kidney and liver failure in household pets, as well as certain clotting problems. The disease is termed "zoonotic", meaning that humans can also get the disease from either wildlife or an infected pet.

Infected dogs may show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, sore muscles, lethargy, increased drinking and urination, yellow skin and mucous membranes, and weight loss. Often the signs are vague, and may develop over a period of days. Occasionally, some dogs will become ill in a matter of hours. Many affected dogs, if untreated, do not survive the infection.

Your veterinarian often can suspect Leptospirosis infection based on history, clinical signs, bloodwork and urinalysis. A confirmed diagnosis often requires special tests of the blood or urine, and in some cases a biopsy of the affected organ can also be helpful. Affected dogs are usually quite ill, so intensive care is often required, including intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Despite the best treatment, some dogs perish from the disease. Others who survive may have long-term damage to their kidneys or liver.

Prevention of Leptospirosis is far easier than the treatment of infected animals. Vaccines are available, and are recommended for those dogs considered "at risk". Those dogs which have any exposure to places where wildlife have been are potentially at risk of the disease. Unfortunately, in urban area, wildlife in residential backyards has become commonplace, so even dogs that don't venture to farms or wooded areas are at risk. Talk to your veterinarian to decide if the Leptospirosis vaccine is recommended for your dog.
 

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